The popular saying: “If you build it, they will come” was first introduced in the 1989 baseball movie Field of Dreams. In searching the origin of this quote, all while thinking about equity work; it was a brilliant accident that I was also drawn to the baseball picture shown here (adapted from The Interaction Institute for Social Change by artist Angus Maguire). I have … [Read more...]
Bronzeville: The “Black Metropolis” and Harlem of Chicago
During the pandemic and lockdowns, I rediscovered Chicago and where I’m from. In Canada, people always ask you: “Where are you from?”. I would be a little salty because I felt I didn’t have a good answer. Of course, I would say: “I’m from the United States”, and most times “Chicago”, without having much knowledge of its Black history. However, when I had time on my hands … [Read more...]
Through My Optics: Black Lives Matter (BLM) Chicago Protest Up Close Through Photos and Poetry
Poem Published Courtesy of Romel Bryant: Educator, Head Basketball Coach, Mentor & Founder of ICan2 Youth Programs, and Artist. In June 2020, Romel Bryant was running an errand and little did he know that he would find himself in the middle of a Black Lives Matter (BLM) protest, with little to no Black people. He uses poetry and photos to share his first hand experience. … [Read more...]
5 Ways of RESILIENCE to Support and Empower
It has been over two months since the murder and death of George Floyd, May 25, with the backdrop of a global pandemic and economic shutdown. And the destructive forces and realities of anti-Black racism are just as strong as ever. For Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color, these forces and the endless fight against them are certainly nothing new. Some have been … [Read more...]
5 Ways to RESIST for Greater Self Empowerment and Agency
It has been over two months since the murder and death of George Floyd, May 25, with the backdrop of a global pandemic and economic shutdown. And the destructive forces and realities of anti-Black racism are just as strong as ever. For Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color, these forces and the endless fight against them are certainly nothing new. Some have been … [Read more...]